Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jun 26: Asserting that forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, slated to commence on July 3, will restore confidence of the people, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday said that foolproof security arrangements have been put in place to ensure safe and secure pilgrimage.
Addressing a press conference here, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said that 85000 pilgrims have registered for the Yatra and many more are expected to participate through on the spot registration process.
He said that while last year witnessed a record-breaking turnout of over 5.12 lakh pilgrims, the registration figures this year witnessed decline post April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. “Till April 22, more than 2.36 lakh people had registered for the Yatra. However, after the Pahalgam incident, the numbers dropped,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed optimism about the turnout improving this year. “More than 85,000 pilgrims have confirmed that they are coming. There are also several calls being received now for on-spot registration. I am hopeful that a large number of devotees will still participate,” he said.
He said, “There is no doubt that the terror incident affected the environment across Jammu and Kashmir. However, I am hopeful that the successful conduct of the Yatra will help restore confidence and improve the situation.”
On the security front, Lt Governor reassured that comprehensive arrangements are in place. “Security has been reviewed thoroughly on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes. All risk factors have been analyzed. We have made every effort to strengthen the security landscape,” he said. “The security grid has been strengthened, multi-layer security is in place and Army, CAPFs, J&K Police have ensured all necessary measures for a safe pilgrimage.”
In view of the sensitive security situation, the administration has also decided to limit helicopter services for the Yatra. “Only around 8% of pilgrims used helicopters in the past. Given the prevailing circumstances, restricting helicopter services is a precautionary step,” Sinha said.
He also informed that detailed guidelines for pilgrims would be issued shortly, and weather forecasts are being closely monitored to ensure safe movement. “Healthcare facilities have been significantly enhanced along the route. Power and water supplies have also been improved by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also urged the pilgrims to travel in the designated convoy from Jammu to Srinagar and vice-versa. “It will make the travel easy and comfortable,” he added.
The Lieutenant Governor said that an atmosphere of spiritual fervour has filled the air at Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra base camps and Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) has made preparations for all essential facilities including movement, lodging, electricity, water, sanitation, communication and health of the pilgrims.
Listing the significant achievements of the SASB in the last two years in creating pilgrims-centric facilities, Sinha said, “Previously narrow and steep Yatra tracks along both the routes have been widened to around 12 feet in most of the stretches. Kalimata stretch, which was previously very narrow and with steep gradient, has been widened to almost 12 feet, with much gentler slope. Safer Yatra tracks with stronger safety handrails all along whole of Baltal track and 20+ km on vulnerable stretches on Pahalgam track,” he said.
Asked whether these are motorable tracks, Sinha said, “Yatra will be held as it was conducted earlier and pilgrims will reach the holy cave as they used to in earlier days. Ant vehicles will ply only in case of emergency.”
The Lieutenant Governor said that grid power connectivity along whole of Baltal track till holy cave and from holy cave to Panjtarni has been achieved. “The grid connectivity on remaining stretch of Pahalgam track is being started,” he said, adding that enhanced accommodation for pilgrims has been created at SASB’s Yatri Niwas complexes at Baltal (800), Nunwan (900) and Pantha chowk (1000).”
“Digital pre-paid system for hiring of various services like pony, pithu, palki would be available for pilgrims. At the holy cave, the wooden darshan platform has been replaced with stainless steel platform of appropriate alignment and height with wood flooring and additional row. Now, pilgrims would be able to have darshans simultaneously in four rows. This shall facilitate better and hassle free darshans,” he added.
“Installation of Canopy over the stairs at the Holy Cave for the comfort and protection of yatris from rain/ snowfall/ scorching sun,” LG said.
He said that the clinical bed capacity of health care facilities at Panjtarni and upper camps has been expanded substantially this year. “Integrated Command and Control Centres have been established and deployment of J&K Police and CAPFs Personnel have been increased. Vulnerable spots were identified and dedicated measures have been taken to ensure the safety of the pilgrims,” he said, adding, “100-bedded hospitals are functional at both the axis. Yatri Niwas at Baltal and Pahalgam axis are being developed for the convenience of the devotees. Special focus has been laid on cleanliness and making the yatra more sustainable. Prasad counters have been established at holy cave. Foot over bridge at Nunwan base camp, Cloak rooms, e-rickshaw and other such facilities have been extended for the pilgrims and service providers,” Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor also lauded the role of media persons and the local residents of J&K in the smooth and successful conduct of the yatra.
